He really is the guy in the pub everyone avoids.
It's easy to see how he has a massive chip on his shoulder re the US political elite. From his first campaign, " Lock her up", "Drain the swamp" etc. He has never been able to break into the hushed conversations in the country clubs. He has never been invited to join the Senators as they sit in a swanky DC eatery.
He has always craved to be accepted into the circle. But when he imposed himself, the table went quiet, excuses made, goodbyes said.
So he bought his own clubs. He lives in them. He is top dog in them. And now the whole world has just become an enlarged Mar a Lago to him. Want to be there, well you have to listen to him, agree with him, tell him how great he is.
I reckon he is terrified to go back to what it was. A grumpy old conspiracist sat alone, that people are polite to, but really want to avoid.